Mental health Flashcards
Explain the differential diagnoses for a patient presenting with episodic palpitations and dizziness.
Panic disorder,
Phobic disorder,
Post-traumatic stress disorder, and Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Define the first-line pharmacological treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- SSRIs
sertraline
escitalopram or paroxetine
what pharmacological options for acute stress reaction
CBT or EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy
or venlafaxine or SSRI if patient does not want psychological treatment
for sleep issues:
- sleep hygiene
- short term hypnotic
what distinguishes ASR from PTSD
will be coined PTSD if persists for longer than 4 weeks
Explain the side effects associated with SSRIs.
anxiety, arthralgia, changes in appetite, diarrhea followed by constipation, dizziness, QT interval prolongation, and hyponatremia.
What considerations should be taken into account when prescribing SSRIs?
risk of serotonin syndrome, the need for gradual withdrawal, and weighing the risks versus benefits of treatment.
initial increase in suicidal ideation
Describe the role of benzodiazepines in managing anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines can be used short-term in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders to provide rapid relief from symptoms.
Explain how benzodiazepines interact with the GABAA receptor.
Benzodiazepines bind to a modulatory site on the GABAA receptor, distinct from the GABA-binding site, influencing the receptor’s conformational equilibrium and enhancing its affinity for GABA.
What are the useful effects of benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines provide sedation, sleep induction, anterograde amnesia, anxiolysis, anticonvulsant activity, and reduction of muscle tone.
How should a patient exhibiting aggressive behaviour be managed according to NICE recommendations?
initially physically restrain if possible
seclusion
rapid tranquillisation is last resort
IM lorazepam* or IM haloperidol + promethazine
- preferred
What risks are associated with the use of benzodiazepines for rapid tranquillisation?
loss of consciousness, respiratory depression or arrest, cardiovascular collapse, and potential disinhibition or increased agitation.
Describe the potential complications associated with antipsychotic use.
Loss of consciousness, cardiovascular/respiratory complications, collapse, seizures, akathisia, dystonia, dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Define drug dependence in the context of substance abuse.
Drug dependence refers to a condition where an individual develops a compulsive need to use a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not using it.
what monitoring is required after RT
temp
pulse
BP
hydration
level of consciousness
RR
every 15 mins for at least an hour
features of delirium tremens
visual hallucinations, profound confusion, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, agitation, xs sweating
what drug is used in alcohol withdrawal
chlordiazepoxide (is a benzo)
initial dose depends on usual drinking levels/units
dose is gradually reduced
what vitamin supplementation is given in alcohol withdrawal
- high risk = IV pabrinex (B1)
low risk - oral thiamine 100mg
triad of symptoms in WE
- confusion + ataxia
- ophthalmoplegia
- memory disturbance
Define the role of opioid agonists in the management of opioid misuse.
Opioid agonists suppress craving and withdrawal symptoms, block the acute effects of other opioids, and allow patients to return to a productive lifestyle and address social issues.
examples of opioid agonists
- methadone
- buprenorphine
How does Methadone differ from Buprenorphine in opioid agonist therapy?
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors, while Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid agonist, offering less euphoria and sedation.
what is naltrexone
opioid antagonist
adjunct to prevent relapse in detoxified formerly dependent people
What is the purpose of nicotine-replacement therapy in smoking cessation?
Nicotine-replacement therapy aims to reduce withdrawal symptoms and is available in various forms such as gum, patches, and sprays.
How does Bupropion assist in smoking cessation?
Bupropion is a selective dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that likely enhances dopaminergic activity, helping individuals quit smoking.